I bought 2 Angelicus Botia (PolkaDot Loach) a couple days ago. One is a bit larger than the other, but the other colors arent as vibrant. Different gender maybe?? Anyways, this one is doing great, digging in the sand and eating like crazy. But the other is smaller with more defined and darker markings. This one just seems to want to hide, and i cant even coax him out with brine shrimp at feeding time. Are they known to just be shy creatures in new tanks? I'm just worried about him. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Adding just one or two more might help. See if the store can get a couple more in.
I started out with five clown loaches, but after having 3 die on me, I thought I would just keep the two. One day they where fighting like crazy. I broke down and bought a 3rd, but from a different fish store. Now the three clowns are as happy as pie and get along great.
Have you tried bloodworms?

He died : ( ...sometimes they just dont make the change from fish store to home aquarium very well i guess. The other one is still extremely playful and happy. All I can hope for is better luck next time I suppose. Thanks for the input.

He died : ( ...sometimes they just dont make the change from fish store to home aquarium very well i guess. The other one is still extremely playful and happy. All I can hope for is better luck next time I suppose. Thanks for the input.

JKoral

I'm sorry he didn't make it. Could be any one of several things. But keep a lookout for more, I have three of these loaches, they are the most playfulcspecies I have ever seen, and one alone will be very lonely. Another two will work in your tank if you can find them. Maybe check other stores nearby, if they came to one store recently they probably came to others.

The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of the biologist, the chemist, and the veterinarian.[unknown source]

Something we all need to remember: The fish you've acquired was quite happy not being owned by you, minding its own business. If you’re going to take it under your wing then you’re responsible for it. Every aspect of its life is under your control, from water quality and temperature to swimming space. [Nathan Hill in PFK]